Chateau Navarre, near Evreux, Normandy c. 1830

John Sell Cotman captured this view of Chateau Navarre in Normandy with delicate watercolors. The bridge, as a potent symbol, spans the gap between two worlds, two states of being. We see this motif echoed through history, from ancient Roman aqueducts connecting disparate communities to medieval bridges adorned with religious imagery. This structure is more than just a crossing; it embodies transition, connection, and passage. Consider, too, how bridges appear in dreams and myths, often as pathways to new beginnings or confrontations with the unknown. This archetypal image engages our collective memory, tapping into a deep-seated desire for connection. Notice how Cotman’s execution renders the bridge not as a cold, functional object but as a harmonious element of the landscape, reflecting a yearning for balance between humanity and nature. This image resonates not only with the landscape's immediate beauty, but also with the enduring human quest for connection and passage across the divides that separate us.